Wheel

ABSTRACT

A wheel comprising a hub and a tire. The hub has an outer tire receiving portion having a largest width smaller than a largest width of the tire. The hub and tire can also include a continuous interface surface.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to wheels, and more particularly to wheels having a rim and an outer wheel molded thereon.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wheels in general, and scooter wheels in particular, ideally combine the attributes of resilience, wear resistance, and grip. For scooter wheels, such attributes combine for a smooth ride on various surfaces without substantial energy loss and wheel wear. Previous wheels have at least partially broke or failed and a new more resilient wheel is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of the present invention is to provide a wheel comprising a hub and a tire. The hub has an inner portion having an axial opening, an outer tire receiving portion, and a spanning section extending between the inner portion and the outer tire receiving portion. The outer tire receiving portion is located radially outward of the inner portion and the spanning section of the hub. The outer tire receiving portion has an outer radially facing surface facing substantially radially outward. The tire is connected to the outer tire receiving portion of the hub and abuts the outer radially facing surface of the outer tire receiving portion. The outer tire receiving portion has a largest width smaller than a largest width of the inner portion of the hub and smaller than a largest width of the tire, with all of the widths being measured in an axial direction.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a wheel comprising a hub and a tire. The hub has an inner portion having an axial opening, an outer tire receiving portion, and a spanning section extending between the inner portion and the outer tire receiving portion. The outer tire receiving portion is located radially outward of the inner portion and the spanning section of the hub. The outer tire receiving portion has an outer radially facing surface facing substantially radially outward. The tire is connected to the outer tire receiving portion of the hub and abuts the outer radially facing surface of the outer tire receiving portion. The outer radially facing surface of the outer tire receiving portion of the hub includes a center portion and a pair of outer curved end edge areas, with the center portion being connected to and extending between the pair of outer curved end edge areas. The outer tire receiving portion includes a pair of oppositely axially facing disc surfaces. Each disc surface intersects one of the pair of outer curved end edge areas of the outer radially facing surface of the outer tire receiving portion of the hub. Each of the pair of oppositely axially facing disc surfaces tapers radially inward such that a first distance between radially inner regions of the pair of oppositely axially facing disc surfaces is smaller than a second distance between radially outer regions of the pair of oppositely axially facing disc surfaces. The tire has a U-shaped radially facing outer surface and a curved tire surface portion at each end of the U-shaped radially facing outer surface, with each curved tire surface portion abutting an intersection of one of the outer curved end edge areas of the outer radially facing surface of the outer tire receiving portion of the hub and one of the pair of oppositely axially facing disc surfaces of the hub. Each curved tire surface portion forms a continuous surface with one of the pair of oppositely axially facing disc surfaces of the hub.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a scooter wheel comprising a hub and a polyurethane tire. The hub has an inner portion having an axial opening extending therethrough and configured to receive a pair of roller bearing assemblies therein, an outer tire receiving portion, and a plurality of spokes extending between the inner portion and the outer tire receiving portion. The outer tire receiving portion is located radially outward of the inner portion and the spokes of the hub. The outer tire receiving portion has an outer radially facing surface facing substantially radially outward. The polyurethane tire is connected to the outer tire receiving portion of the hub and abutting the outer radially facing surface of the outer tire receiving portion. The outer radially facing surface of the outer tire receiving portion of the hub includes a center portion and a pair of outer curved end edge areas, with the center portion being connected to and extending between the pair of outer curved end edge areas. The outer tire receiving portion includes a pair of oppositely axially facing disc surfaces. Each disc surface intersects one of the pair of outer curved end edge areas of the outer radially facing surface of the outer tire receiving portion of the hub. Each of the pair of oppositely axially facing disc surfaces tapers radially inward such that a first distance between radially inner regions of the pair of oppositely axially facing disc surfaces is smaller than a second distance between radially outer regions of the pair of oppositely axially facing disc surfaces. The polyurethane tire has a U-shaped radially facing outer surface and a curved tire surface portion at each end of the U-shaped radially facing outer surface, with each curved tire surface portion abutting an intersection of one of the pair of the outer curved end edge areas of the outer radially facing surface of the outer tire receiving portion of the hub and one of the pair of oppositely axially facing disc surfaces of the hub. Each curved tire surface portion forms a continuous surface with one of the pair of oppositely axially facing disc surfaces of the hub. The outer tire receiving portion has a largest width smaller than a largest width of the tire, with all of the widths being measured in an axial direction.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a wheel comprising a hub and a non-inflatable tire. The hub has an inner portion having an axial opening, an outer tire receiving portion, and a spanning section extending between the inner portion and the outer tire receiving portion. The outer tire receiving portion is located radially outward of the inner portion and the spanning section of the hub. The outer tire receiving portion has an outer radially facing surface facing substantially radially outward. The non-inflatable tire is connected to the outer tire receiving portion of the hub and abuts the outer radially facing surface of the outer tire receiving portion. The outer tire receiving portion has a largest width smaller than a largest width of the non-inflatable tire, with all of the widths being measured in an axial direction

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a scooter.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a wheel of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the wheel of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the wheel of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the wheel of the present invention taken along line V-V of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the wheel of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined herein. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless expressly stated otherwise.

FIG. 1 illustrates a scooter 10 utilizing a pair of wheels 12 of the present invention. In the illustrated example, the scooter 10 includes a fork 20 that extends through a headtube 16 fixed to a deck 18 of the scooter 10. The fork 20 and the handlebars 14 are connected by a clamp 21. The fork 20 receives one of the wheels 12 of the present invention therein. The handlebars 14 can be rotated to rotate the fork 20 and the wheel 12 connected to the fork 20 for steering the scooter 10. The scooter 10 also includes a second one of the wheels 12 rotatably connected to the rear of the deck 18. In the illustrated example, the scooter 10 includes a brake for stopping rotation of the wheel 12 connected to the deck 18 (either though a pedal 24 or a brake handle 26 connected to the handlebars 14). While the wheel 12 of the present invention is illustrated as being used on a two wheel scooter 10, it is contemplated that the wheel 12 of the present invention could be used anywhere a wheel is desired. For example, the wheel 12 of the present invention could be used on a three wheel scooter, inline skates or as rollers for a conveyor belt.

In the illustrated example, the wheel 12 includes a hub 28 and a tire 30. The tire 30 surrounds the hub 28 and is configured to make contact and roll over with a surface (e.g., the ground and a conveyor belt). The hub 28 is configured to receive an axle and/or roller bearings (or similar items) to allow the wheel 12 to roll. The hub 28 can be made of a strong material to provide a rigid structure to the wheel 12 and/or of a material that provides for a strong bond with the tire 30. For example, the hub 28 can be made of aluminum (machine or otherwise formed), thermoplastic urethane or a composite composition of materials. It is contemplated that the hub 28 can be made of a single piece (e.g., a single machined piece of aluminum) or made from several parts connected together. The tire 30 can be made of a material that provides impact resistance and elasticity. For example, the tire 30 can be formed of polyurethane or other materials.

In the illustrated example, the hub 28 is configured to roll on an axle and/or roller bearings and support the tire 30. The hub 28 includes an inner portion 32, an outer tire receiving portion 34 and a spanning section 36 extending between the inner portion 32 and the outer tire receiving portion 34. The inner portion 32 is located at the center of the hub 28 and the wheel 12.

The illustrated inner portion 32 of the hub 28 includes an axial opening 37 at the center of the hub 28 and the wheel 12, with the wheel 12 rotating about a center of the axial opening 37. The illustrated axial opening 37 is configured to receive an axle and/or roller bearing therein. As shown in FIGS. 2-5, the axial opening 37 includes a stepped outer surface 38 having a smaller diameter inner portion 40 surrounded by a pair of larger diameter outer portions 42. As is well known to those skilled in the art, a pair of roller bearings can be positioned (e.g., wedged) within each open end 44 of the axial opening 37 to abut against a step 46 of the stepped outer surface 38, with a tubular axle connecting two center portions of the roller bearings. A further axle (e.g., a screw) can extend through the tubular axle to allow the wheel 12 to rotate. It is contemplated that the axial opening 37 could have other configurations (e.g., having a smooth outer surface for receiving an axle therein configured to rotate within the hub, having a smoother outer surface for holding an axle receiving tube, or could not extend entirely through the hub and receive a pair of roller bearings in each open side).

In the illustrated example, the spanning section 36 connects the inner portion 32 to the outer tire receiving portion 34. The illustrated spanning section 36 comprises a plurality of spokes 50 extending radially from the inner portion 32. The spanning section 36 can include any number of spokes 50 having any configuration (including a solid disc shaped section). In the illustrated embodiment, the spanning section 36 includes seven spokes 50, with each spoke 50 having a pair of opposite concave surfaces 52. An outer radial end of each spoke 50 is connected to the outer tire receiving portion 34.

The illustrated outer tire receiving portion 34 of the hub 28 includes a cylinder portion 54 having an inner area 56 connected to the spokes 50, an outer radially facing surface 58 and a pair of oppositely axially facing disc surfaces 60. The outer radially facing surface 58 accepts the tire 30 thereon. In the illustrated example, a center portion 61 of the outer radially facing surface 58 is flat (see FIG. 5) and uninterrupted. However, it is contemplated that the center portion 61 of the outer radially facing surface 58 could be concave. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the outer radially facing surface 58 could be interrupted and include a ring channel 100 (see second embodiment of tire 12 a in FIG. 6), with the ring channel 100 being configured to accept an energy absorbing material of the tire 30 as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,227,622 entitled Multilayer Skate Wheel, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. A pair of outer curved end edge areas 63 are located at opposite ends of the center portion 61 of the outer radially facing surface 58.

The illustrated tire 30 is connected to the hub 28 of the wheel 12 and is configured to roll on a surface. The tire 30 includes a U-shaped radially facing outer surface 70 and a curved tire surface portion 72 at each end of the U-shaped radially facing outer surface 70. The tire 30 also includes a rim abutting surface 74 that corresponds and abuts the outer radially facing surface 58 of the hub 28.

In the illustrated example, the width of the outer tire receiving portion 34 of the hub 28 is believed to assist in the longevity and strength of the wheel 12. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the inner portion 32 of the hub 28 has an inner width 90 and the outer tire receiving portion 34 of the hub 28 has an outer width 92. Moreover, the tire 30 has a tire width 94. In the illustrated embodiment, the tire width 94 is greater than the outer width 92 of the hub 28. Since the outer tire receiving portion 34 of the hub 28 is located within an area defined by the tire width 94, the outer tire receiving portion 34 of the hub 28 is less susceptible to impacts, thereby preserving the outer interface between the hub 28 and the tire 30, one of the more common areas of failure of the wheel 12.

The illustrated wheel 12 also includes an interface between the hub 28 and the tire 30 that is believed to assist in the longevity and strength of the wheel 12. As illustrated in FIG. 5, each of the pair of oppositely axially facing disc surfaces 60 of the outer tire receiving portion 34 of the hub 28 tapers radially inward such that a first distance between radially inner regions 80 of the pair of oppositely axially facing disc surfaces 60 is smaller than a second distance between radially outer regions 82 of the pair of oppositely axially facing disc surfaces 60. Moreover, each curved tire surface portion 72 of the tire 30 abuts an intersection of one of the outer curved end edge areas 63 of the outer radially facing surface 58 of the outer tire receiving portion 34 of the hub 28 and one of the pair of oppositely axially facing disc surfaces 60 of the hub 28. Each curved tire surface portion 72 forms a continuous surface with one of the pair of oppositely axially facing disc surfaces 60 of the hub 28. The continuous surface is substantially flat or includes a surface with a very large radius of curvature.

The illustrated wheel 12 can be made using many methods. The following is one example of making the wheel 12. First, the wheel 12 can be made by machining the hub 28 out of aluminum. After the hub 28 is formed, the hub 28 can then be washed with either alcohol or an organic solvent. After washing, the outer radially facing surface 58 of the outer tire receiving portion 34 of the hub 28 can be sandblasted to achieve a 1-3 mil surface profile. It is contemplated that the surface could have a profile of greater than 3 mils. A non-ferrous blasting material can be used if the hub 28 is formed of aluminum. However, a ferrous blasting material can be used if the hub 28 is formed of steel or other ferrous materials. The entire outer radially facing surface 58 of the outer tire receiving portion 34 of the hub 28 can be sandblasted. After sandblasting, the hub 28 can be washed again using the same procedure and materials as outlined above. A urethane adhesive is then applied to the outer radially facing surface 58 of the outer tire receiving portion 34 of the hub 28. The urethane adhesive can be applied by a spray application or can be brushed onto the surface. It is contemplated that the adhesive can be applied to a thickness of about 0.7-1.2 mils. It is contemplated that any standard urethane adhesive could be used. For example, Chemlok® 213 adhesive as sold by Lord Corporation of Cary, N.C. could be used. After the adhesive is applied, the adhesive may require heating to activate (e.g., 200° F. for about 2 hours). If the hub 28 cools after heating of the adhesive (e.g., if the tire is placed on the hub 28 hours after the above steps), the hub 28 may need to be pre-heated again in preparation for accepting the tire 30. At this point, the tire 30 can be cast (in final form or cut into final form) onto the hub 28, thereby forming the wheel 12.

FIG. 6 illustrated a second embodiment of the wheel 12 a, with the wheel 12 a having the ring channel 100 in the outer radially facing surface 58 could be interrupted as outlined above. The ring channel 100 is configured to accept an energy absorbing material 200 of the tire 30 as outlined above.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned embodiments without departing from the concepts of the present invention. For example, the tire 30 can be made of a uniform homogenous material or can be made from several materials stacked upon each other and/or mixed together uniformly or non-uniformly (e.g., the energy absorbing material 200 within the polyurethane of the tire 30). Moreover, it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered herein unless expressly stated otherwise. 

I claim:
 1. A wheel comprising: a hub having an inner portion having an axial opening, an outer tire receiving portion, and a spanning section extending between the inner portion and the outer tire receiving portion; the outer tire receiving portion being located radially outward of the inner portion and the spanning section of the hub, the outer tire receiving portion having an outer radially facing surface facing substantially radially outward; and a tire connected to the outer tire receiving portion of the hub and abutting the outer radially facing surface of the outer tire receiving portion; the outer tire receiving portion having a largest width smaller than a largest width of the inner portion of the hub and smaller than a largest width of the tire, with all of the widths being measured in an axial direction.
 2. The wheel of claim 1, wherein: the inner portion of the hub is configured to receive at least one bearing within the axial opening for allowing the wheel to rotate.
 3. The wheel of claim 1, wherein: the inner portion of the hub is configured to receive a pair of roller bearing assemblies within the axial opening for allowing the wheel to rotate.
 4. The wheel of claim 1, wherein: the axial opening extends entirely through the inner portion of the hub.
 5. The wheel of claim 1, wherein: the spanning section comprises a plurality of spokes extending radially between the inner portion and the outer tire receiving portion.
 6. The wheel of claim 1, wherein: the tire is comprised of polyurethane.
 7. The wheel of claim 1, wherein: the outer radially facing surface of the outer tire receiving portion of the hub includes a center portion and a pair of outer curved end edge areas, with the center portion being connected to and extending between the pair of outer curved end edge areas.
 8. The wheel of claim 7, wherein: the center portion of the outer radially facing surface of the outer tire receiving portion of the hub is uninterrupted.
 9. The wheel of claim 7, wherein: the center portion of the outer radially facing surface of the outer tire receiving portion of the hub is interrupted and includes a ring channel for receiving a portion of the tire therein.
 10. The wheel of claim 7, wherein: the center portion of the outer radially facing surface of the outer tire receiving portion of the hub is substantially flat.
 11. The wheel of claim 7, wherein: the outer tire receiving portion includes a pair of oppositely axially facing disc surfaces, each disc surface intersecting one of the pair of outer curved end edge areas of the outer radially facing surface of the outer tire receiving portion of the hub, each of the pair of oppositely axially facing disc surfaces tapering radially inward such that a first distance between radially inner regions of the pair of oppositely axially facing disc surfaces is smaller than a second distance between radially outer regions of the pair of oppositely axially facing disc surfaces.
 12. The wheel of claim 11, wherein: the tire has a U-shaped radially facing outer surface and a curved tire surface portion at each end of the U-shaped radially facing outer surface, with each curved tire surface portion abutting an intersection of one of the pair of outer curved end edge areas of the outer radially facing surface of the outer tire receiving portion of the hub and one of the pair of oppositely axially facing disc surfaces of the hub, with each curved tire surface portion forming a continuous surface with one of the pair of oppositely axially facing disc surfaces of the hub.
 13. A wheel comprising: a hub having an inner portion having an axial opening, an outer tire receiving portion, and a spanning section extending between the inner portion and the outer tire receiving portion; the outer tire receiving portion being located radially outward of the inner portion and the spanning section of the hub, the outer tire receiving portion having an outer radially facing surface facing substantially radially outward; and a tire connected to the outer tire receiving portion of the hub and abutting the outer radially facing surface of the outer tire receiving portion; the outer radially facing surface of the outer tire receiving portion of the hub including a center portion and a pair of outer curved end edge areas, with the center portion being connected to and extending between the pair of outer curved end edge areas; the outer tire receiving portion including a pair of oppositely axially facing disc surfaces, each disc surface intersecting one of the pair of outer curved end edge areas of the outer radially facing surface of the outer tire receiving portion of the hub, each of the pair of oppositely axially facing disc surfaces tapering radially inward such that a first distance between radially inner regions of the pair of oppositely axially facing disc surfaces is smaller than a second distance between radially outer regions of the pair of oppositely axially facing disc surfaces; and the tire having a U-shaped radially facing outer surface and a curved tire surface portion at each end of the U-shaped radially facing outer surface, with each curved tire surface portion abutting an intersection of one of the outer curved end edge areas of the outer radially facing surface of the outer tire receiving portion of the hub and one of the pair of oppositely axially facing disc surfaces of the hub, with each curved tire surface portion forming a continuous surface with one of the pair of oppositely axially facing disc surfaces of the hub.
 14. The wheel of claim 13, wherein: the inner portion of the hub is configured to receive at least one bearing within the axial opening for allowing the wheel to rotate.
 15. The wheel of claim 13, wherein: the inner portion of the hub is configured to receive a pair of roller bearing assemblies within the axial opening for allowing the wheel to rotate.
 16. The wheel of claim 13, wherein: the axial opening extends entirely through the inner portion of the hub.
 17. The wheel of claim 13, wherein: the spanning section comprises a plurality of spokes extending radially between the inner portion and the outer tire receiving portion.
 18. The wheel of claim 13, wherein: the tire is comprised of polyurethane.
 19. The wheel of claim 13, wherein: the center portion of the outer radially facing surface of the outer tire receiving portion of the hub is uninterrupted.
 20. The wheel of claim 13, wherein: the center portion of the outer radially facing surface of the outer tire receiving portion of the hub is interrupted and includes a ring channel for receiving a portion of the tire therein.
 21. The wheel of claim 13, wherein: the center portion of the outer radially facing surface of the outer tire receiving portion of the hub is substantially flat.
 22. A scooter wheel comprising: a hub having an inner portion having an axial opening extending therethrough and configured to receive a pair of roller bearing assemblies therein, an outer tire receiving portion, and a plurality of spokes extending between the inner portion and the outer tire receiving portion; the outer tire receiving portion being located radially outward of the inner portion and the spokes of the hub, the outer tire receiving portion having an outer radially facing surface facing substantially radially outward; and a polyurethane tire connected to the outer tire receiving portion of the hub and abutting the outer radially facing surface of the outer tire receiving portion; the outer radially facing surface of the outer tire receiving portion of the hub including a center portion and a pair of outer curved end edge areas, with the center portion being connected to and extending between the pair of outer curved end edge areas; the outer tire receiving portion including a pair of oppositely axially facing disc surfaces, each disc surface intersecting one of the pair of outer curved end edge areas of the outer radially facing surface of the outer tire receiving portion of the hub, each of the pair of oppositely axially facing disc surfaces tapering radially inward such that a first distance between radially inner regions of the pair of oppositely axially facing disc surfaces is smaller than a second distance between radially outer regions of the pair of oppositely axially facing disc surfaces; the polyurethane tire having a U-shaped radially, facing outer surface and a curved tire surface portion at each end of the U-shaped radially facing outer surface, with each curved tire surface portion abutting an intersection of one of the pair of the outer curved end edge areas of the outer radially facing surface of the outer tire receiving portion of the hub and one of the pair of oppositely axially facing disc surfaces of the hub, with each curved tire surface portion forming a continuous surface with one of the pair of oppositely axially facing disc surfaces of the hub; and the outer tire receiving portion having a largest width smaller than a largest width of the inner portion of the hub and smaller than a largest width of the tire, with all of the widths being measured in an axial direction.
 23. A wheel comprising: a hub having an inner portion having an axial opening, an outer tire receiving portion, and a spanning section extending between the inner portion and the outer tire receiving portion; the outer tire receiving portion being located radially outward of the inner portion and the spanning section of the hub, the outer tire receiving portion having an outer radially facing surface facing substantially radially outward; and a non-inflatable tire connected to the outer tire receiving portion of the hub and abutting the outer radially facing surface of the outer tire receiving portion; the outer tire receiving portion having a largest width smaller than a largest width of the non-inflatable tire, with all of the widths being measured in an axial direction.
 24. The wheel of claim 1, wherein: the axial opening extends entirely through the inner portion of the hub.
 25. The wheel of claim 1, wherein: the spanning section comprises a plurality of spokes extending radially between the inner portion and the outer tire receiving portion.
 26. The wheel of claim 1, wherein: the non-inflatable tire is comprised of polyurethane.
 27. The wheel of claim 1, wherein: the outer radially facing surface of the outer tire receiving portion of the hub includes a center portion and a pair of outer curved end edge areas, with the center portion being connected to and extending between the pair of outer curved end edge areas.
 28. The wheel of claim 27, wherein: the center portion of the outer radially facing surface of the outer tire receiving portion of the hub is uninterrupted.
 29. The wheel of claim 27, wherein: the center portion of the outer radially facing surface of the outer tire receiving portion of the hub is interrupted and includes a ring channel for receiving a portion of the non-inflatable tire therein.
 30. The wheel of claim 27, wherein: the center portion of the outer radially facing surface of the outer tire receiving portion of the hub is substantially flat.
 31. The wheel of claim 29, wherein: the outer tire receiving portion includes a pair of oppositely axially facing disc surfaces, each disc surface intersecting one of the pair of outer curved end edge areas of the outer radially facing surface of the outer tire receiving portion of the hub, each of the pair of oppositely axially facing disc surfaces tapering radially inward such that a first distance between radially inner regions of the pair of oppositely axially facing disc surfaces is smaller than a second distance between radially outer regions of the pair of oppositely axially facing disc surfaces.
 32. The wheel of claim 31, wherein: the non-inflatable tire has a U-shaped radially facing outer surface and a curved tire surface portion at each end of the U-shaped radially facing outer surface, with each curved tire surface portion abutting an intersection of one of the pair of outer curved end edge areas of the outer radially facing surface of the outer tire receiving portion of the hub and one of the pair of oppositely axially facing disc surfaces of the hub, with each curved tire surface portion forming a continuous surface with one of the pair of oppositely axially facing disc surfaces of the hub. 